As the 2026 midterm elections approach, a record number of Republican members of Congress have declared their intention not to run for reelection, with 43 House members and 10 senators opting out. Notably, Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia has announced her resignation effective January 5, 2026, a year before her term ends.

This trend can be attributed to various political dynamics, including frustrations with legislative gridlock and the low approval ratings of former President Donald Trump, which may adversely affect Republican candidates at the polls. Many Republicans appear to be preemptively withdrawing from what could be a challenging electoral environment, potentially influenced by the prospect of a Democratic resurgence.

Currently, two dozen Republican House members have either resigned or announced their decision not to seek reelection, marking the highest number of departures for either party at this stage in the election cycle over the past two decades, with exceptions noted in 2018 and 2020.

The departures are not solely due to electoral concerns; they also reflect personal motivations. Some members are retiring after long careers, such as Democratic Rep. Jerry Nadler, who is stepping down after 34 years, and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who is also retiring. Others may be leaving for opportunities in lobbying or other political positions, as former members often transition into lucrative roles in the private sector.

Frustration with the current political environment is a common theme among those departing. For instance, Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina expressed that the choice between enduring political theater and spending time with family was clear, indicating a broader sentiment of dissatisfaction with the current state of Congress.

The 2026 midterms are further complicated by mid-decade redistricting, which has altered electoral landscapes in several states, prompting some incumbents to retire early. In Texas, for example, significant changes have led to multiple Republican and Democratic members considering their futures.

Historically, the party in power, particularly the president's party, tends to lose seats in midterm elections, a phenomenon known as "thermostatic politics." Current polling suggests a challenging environment for Republicans, with Trump’s unpopularity and a consistent Democratic lead in generic ballot questions indicating potential difficulties ahead.

Additionally, internal party dynamics are contributing to the wave of resignations. House conservatives are reportedly expressing dissatisfaction with Speaker Mike Johnson's leadership, which may lead to further departures and impact the already slim Republican majority in the House. These developments signal ongoing challenges within Congress and highlight the complexities of the political landscape as the midterms approach.